Lizzie Gunton's educational experiences had never taken her to Lake Forest City Hall.

The 13-year-old can't say that anymore.

A seventh-grader at Lake Forest Country Day School, Gunton spent Feb. 6 as "Mayor for a Day."

"It was fun," said Gunton. "I didn't know what the city did."

Gunton spent the afternoon recently as mayor after her father, Mark Gunton, won the role as part of the school's annual auction, which raises funds for classroom technology, financial aid and teacher initiatives. This year's auction will be held March 3.

"My husband thought it would be fun for her," said Lizzie's mom, Melinda Gunton.

Lizzie's day as temporary mayor began at 3:45 p.m. at the Municipal Services Building, where she learned about the city's recycling program. OK, maybe that wasn't so exciting, especially compared to her stops at the fire and police departments.

"I went to the police department and saw the chief shoot in the practice area and I got locked up," Lizzie said.

At the fire department, she tried on the gear, oxygen tank and all. "She couldn't walk," her mom said, laughing.

The day ended with Lizzie sitting in as "acting Mayor" at Monday's City Council meeting, where she read the agenda items to be discussed. Mayor James Cowhey introduced his protégée and joked with city council members, "before you think you are too big, any day, any time, you can be replaced by an eighth- (seventh-) grader."

For her part, Lizzie said she enjoyed her day and gaining a view from the mayor's seat.

As for future aspirations, when asked if she actually would like to be the mayor, she didn't hesitate.

"Oh, yeah," she said with a big smile.

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